URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The memories of lost loved ones were the driving force in an Urbana race Saturday morning, with nearly 500 people competing in the Christie Clinic’s annual “Run to Remember.” 

The run, which features both a 5K and 5-mile route, looped through Crystal Lake Park before runners were greeted with medals at the finish line. 

Runners get to reflect on the legacy of any loved one who has died while raising money. 

5K first place finisher Trish Black ran in honor of her brother-in-law Ben Black, who died in a car accident a few years ago.

“I can kind of hear him cheering me on,” Black said. “He was the most supportive person with everybody, and he always loved to hear about my running, asking about it. So, [I] definitely was thinking about him and felt good breaking the tape and thinking about him too.”

The race raised $3,000 for the United Way of Champaign County and Community Foundation of East Central Illinois.